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Letter from the Editor
Summer always assures us the chance to celebrate America’s independence as we look forward to Barrington’s Fourth of July parade and many other summer festivities. This time of year more than ever gives us pause to remember and honor the men and women who serve our country. Telling their stories is a part of our history.
You may already know George Van Hagen, the Quintessential Person™ that we are so pleased to honor in this issue. George is one of Barrington’s many Veterans of Foreign Wars. One of Barrington’s finest, he has touched many lives through his active community service schedule over the years. If you haven’t met George yet, I know you’ll enjoy “meeting him” through the eyes of others, and through the heartfelt images of photographer Thomas Balsamo. You’ll see that he brought his military goggles and helmet to the photo session, the ones he had on 63 years ago when his plane crashed at sea while on a mission during World War II.
Our July/August issue is all about the passion people have in their personal pursuits. Our cover feature story showcases one of Barrington’s most passionate sailors. A member of the Chicago Yacht Club, Steve Knoop is preparing for his 32nd Chicago Race to Mackinac (often called just “The Mac”), making him the most experienced Mac sailor on record in our area. As Steve shares in this exciting story, no matter how much sailing experience one has, you never know what surprises Mother Nature has in store out on Lake Michigan. Susan McConnell photographed our beautiful cover and story pictures while out on Lake Michigan aboard Steve’s American Flyer. The Chicago Yacht Club celebrates their 100th running of the Mac this year. We wish Steve and his crew good luck come race day!
There are other serious sport enthusiasts you’ll learn about in “The Ironman Next Door.” Steve Morrissey is one of the many athletic residents of Barrington who is training for his upcoming Ironman Triathalon competition. He and local photographer Bob Milkovich teamed up to help tell the story of the highly focused men and women who are out there burning up big miles on foot, on bike, and in the water. And for those more interested in taking their miles on hoof, read all about Allison Springer, a former Pony Clubber and U.S. Equestrian High Performance team member who currently trains with the U.S. Olympic Team.
The pursuit of living with passion has no age limit. Even in the last days of life, there is more hope than ever to live fully and meet end-of-life goals with the help of the Hospice of Northeastern Illinois. Plans are underway to build a Hospice Home and Care Center here in Barrington. We thank Craig Dresang for telling this moving and inspiring story with Hospice’s signature grace and dignity.
What would an issue on passionate living be without discussing food and wine? Our wine expert Jim Bryant takes you on a trip to California’s central coast and shares a tale of wine, friends, and good food. Around the country there’s growing interest in sustainable farming and the desire to support the families and communities who farm locally. Mary Klest invites you to learn more about sustainable agriculture in her feature “Thought for Food.” And in her article “Honey, Bees and Us,” our nature writer, April Anderson, profiles an important part of the agriculture community – those busy little pollinators.
Enjoy the summer.
Lisa Stamos